Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Charlie Eastwood who was competing in the European Kart Racing Championships in France.

Charlie is now a European Kart Racing Champion to add to his World Championship crown after taking a string of wins at the final European Championship round over the weekend.

The Minister said: "I congratulate Charlie on winning this title. To compete in the European and World karting stage takes great dedication, skill and determination. This now makes him by far the most successful kart racing driver ever from Ireland at International level and is testament to the Sport NI Athlete Investment programme that he has been a part of for the last two years.

"This big win also sees Charlie guarantee another place in the World finals in New Orleans, which he also won last year for the elite drivers in the sport, and for that, I wish him all the best.”

Notes to editors:

1. Charlie Eastwood is a pupil at Aquinas Grammar School and races as part of the Strawberry Racing team.